OCPD Issues Business Safety Advice

OCEAN CITY — With the arrival of another season and a commercial business burglary less than two weeks ago, the Ocean City Police Department this week issued a reminder to local business owners and managers of a few safety tips to avoid becoming a victim of theft or burglary.

The OCPD on Tuesday sent out a memo to restaurant and bar owners and managers reminding them of a few safety tips to avoid becoming the victim of burglary or theft. With the arrival of the summer season, there will inevitably be a handful of burglaries and thefts from resort businesses and taking a few simple precautions can prevent becoming a victim.

The OCPD memo comes on the heels of the first reported commercial burglary of the new season less than two weeks ago. On May 17, a commercial break-in was reported at a business on 71st Street. Thankfully, nothing was stolen, but the suspect or suspect destroyed cash registers in attempt to steal money.  In that particular case, replacing the damaged cash registers was likely more costly than any money potentially stolen.

“We want to remind business owners of simple things that they can do to protect their business as we hit the busy summer season,” said OCPD spokesperson Lindsay Richard this week. “This costly repair could have been easily avoided by following the simple crime prevention tip of leaving the register open.”

Of course, it goes without saying that leaving the register drawers open is only effective if the money is taken out each night and stored safely in a safe or locked office. The OCPD also reminded business owners this week to make bank deposits often and keep cash at a minimum. Another tip offered is to establish a strict cash control policy and make sure all relevant employees are aware of it.

The OCPD is also advising business owners to equip their facilities with surveillance cameras if they haven’t already. Often, suspects can be identified with images captured by surveillance systems, and in many cases, simply knowing surveillance system are in place is enough to deter potential thieves.

The OCPD also warned robberies can occur at predictable times. Opening and closing periods are particularly vulnerable because due to low staffing levels and large amounts of cash on hand. The OCPD is advising business owners and managers to be cognizant of this when reviewing opening and closing procedures. In addition, if an owner or manager is forced to dismiss an employee that had access to keys and/or safe combinations, it’s suggested to re-key locks and change combinations and codes.